If there’s a dish that combines the comforting flavors of pizza with the hearty satisfaction of chicken, it’s this Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe. Imagine tender chicken breasts stuffed with gooey mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce, all baked until bubbly and irresistible. This recipe is a total game-changer for dinner nights when you want something that feels decadent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s like having your pizza and eating your protein too, all in one gorgeous baking dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial part in bringing this dish to life. The blend of Italian seasoning and garlic powder adds aromatic depth, while the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses gives melty richness topped with a hint of sharpness. Fresh pepperoni slices lend that classic pizza spice, perfectly complementing the tender, juicy chicken.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect protein base, easy to butterfly and stuff for maximum flavor infusion.
- ½ tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory punch that pairs beautifully with Italian herbs.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs like oregano and basil that make this dish unmistakably pizza-inspired.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar): The tangy and sweet tomato base that ties everything together with pure comfort.
- 4 slices thick-cut mozzarella cheese: Melts luxuriously inside the chicken for a gooey surprise.
- 30 slices pepperoni: Adds classic pizza spice and a savory punch inside and on top of the chicken.
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Covers the dish with a luscious, golden cheesy crust.
- â…› cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the whole bake.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is the perfect baking temperature to cook the chicken through while melting the cheese beautifully. Give your baking dish a quick spritz with nonstick spray so nothing sticks – this makes serving easier and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Season and Butterfly the Chicken
Whisk together the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl – this flavorful blend is what makes the chicken so aromatic and tasty. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, creating a pocket for your delicious fillings. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Layer the First Marinara Spread
Spread half of your marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This keeps the chicken moist and adds a tangy base layer that will infuse every bite with that classic pizza tomato goodness.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Open each butterflied chicken breast like a book and layer inside one slice of thick mozzarella, five slices of pepperoni, a spoonful of marinara, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Then gently close the chicken breast and secure with toothpicks if necessary to keep all those delicious fillings tucked inside. Place each stuffed breast into your prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Finish
Smother the stuffed chicken breasts with the remaining marinara sauce, then generously sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, the remaining pepperoni slices, and Parmesan cheese. If you want an extra herby punch, sprinkle a bit more Italian seasoning on top. This layering ensures a bubbly, golden, irresistible crust forming as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the dish for about 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and slightly golden, the pepperoni edges crispy, and the kitchen filled with that mouthwatering pizza aroma.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley bring a lovely fresh burst of color and flavor that brightens the rich, cheesy chicken bake. A dusting of Parmesan or a drizzle of good quality balsamic glaze can add another layer of sophistication and indulgence to your plate.
Side Dishes
Pair this chicken bake with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers also complement this dish wonderfully, turning it into a complete, colorful meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual stuffed breasts on small plates with extra marinara sauce spooned on the side for dipping. Or, slice each chicken breast crosswise to reveal the beautiful layers of cheese and pepperoni inside – it’s such a crowd-pleaser when those gooey cheesy layers are on full display!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes just as good reheated, with the flavors melding even more overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again, about 15–20 minutes. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry, but the oven will bring back that wonderful crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan give the classic pizza flavor and texture, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a bit of cheddar for a sharper bite. Just be mindful of melting properties to keep the chicken juicy inside.
Is it necessary to butterfly the chicken breasts?
Butterflying the chicken creates a perfect pocket for stuffing all the cheesy, pepperoni goodness. If you don’t butterfly, the stuffing might fall out, and the chicken will take longer to cook evenly.
How spicy is the Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, mostly coming from the pepperoni’s natural seasoning. If you want more heat, you can add red pepper flakes inside or on top before baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check the marinara sauce and pepperoni brands for any hidden gluten, as most are naturally gluten-free. This recipe itself doesn’t include gluten-containing ingredients.
What can I substitute for pepperoni if I do not eat pork?
Try turkey pepperoni or a plant-based pepperoni alternative. You can also use sliced grilled chicken sausage or smoked turkey slices to keep the smoky, savory element.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully comforting about this Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe that it quickly becomes a household favorite. The marriage of pizza flavors with wholesome chicken makes it a hearty, satisfying dish that’s fun to prepare and impossible not to love. Don’t hesitate to give it a try for your next dinner—it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to share bites with everyone around the table.
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Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake is a mouthwatering fusion of classic pizza flavors and tender chicken breasts. Juicy chicken breasts are butterflied and stuffed with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and Parmesan, then baked to perfection with a cheesy, flavorful topping. Perfect for a comforting dinner that combines the best of Italian-inspired pizza with protein-packed chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Pizza Filling and Topping
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 4 slices thick-cut mozzarella cheese
- 30 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- â…› cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare chicken and seasoning: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally about two-thirds through the thickness. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly all over the chicken breasts ensuring full flavor coverage.
- Layer marinara sauce: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will keep the chicken moist and add flavor from the base up.
- Stuff the chicken breasts: Open each butterflied chicken breast gently. Place one slice of thick-cut mozzarella cheese inside each chicken breast, followed by 5 slices of pepperoni, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Carefully close the chicken breast and secure with toothpicks if needed to hold the filling inside. Place each stuffed breast in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
- Top the chicken: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the tops of the stuffed chicken breasts. Then evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, remaining pepperoni slices, and the rest of the Parmesan cheese on top. If you like, add an extra pinch of Italian seasoning for enhanced herbiness.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts allows for more even cooking and creates room for a generous filling.
- Using thick-cut mozzarella inside helps prevent the cheese from melting out during baking.
- Secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling from spilling out.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
